Musical spectacular sparks performances of great polish

6:00am Thursday 17th April 2008

Calamity Jane is a show associated with Doris Day because of her role in the smash-hit film version in the 1950s. Julie Maidment stepped into the title role for DLOS and gave a performance of great polish and confidence at Dauntsey's School last week.

The perfect balance to Julie's performance was provided by Paul Morgan in the male lead role as Wild Bill Hickock.

REVIEW: Calamity Jane

Devizes Light Operatic Society

The role of the proprietor of the Golden Garter saloon, Henry Miller, was played by John Craig and Henry's lovely, young niece, Susan, was delightfully portrayed by Bethany Bowerbank one of several promising new members of DLOS.

Tor Burt took on the role of Adelaide Adams as an emergency substitute for a cast member who was forced to withdraw for personal reasons just four weeks before curtain up.

Tor's confident performance gave no hint of her late inclusion in the cast.

Sam Stevens was comfortable and competent playing Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin opposite Cassandra Smith (Katie Brown). The comedy lead was taken by Jim Marshall who played Francis Fryer, a song and dance artiste from New York that, due to a misunderstanding, has to perform a drag act before a hostile crowd in the Golden Garter saloon.

But the Golden Garter entertainment that really wowed the audiences was a naughty-but-nice Can-Can choreographed by Cassandra Smith. Costume, props and incidental music enhanced this choice production.